Love it or Hate it: Valentine’s Day

I don’t love Valentine’s Day, but I wouldn’t go so far as to say I hate it either. I’ve had good Valentine’s Days in the past. Part of what bugs me about Valentine’s Day (and other holidays) is that it’s so materialistic. There’s a lot of pressure on guys to get their girlfriend the perfect flowers, jewelry, or expensive dinner out.

Another part of what bothers me is – why does everyone need to celebrate their love on the same day? I’d rather just go out to dinner on anniversaries. Restaurants might be a little less crowded. An anniversary is also a day for just you as a couple and no one else. Seems like that would be a bit more special day to celebrate a relationship.

The other part of what bothers me about V-Day is that so many people obsess over it. So many people feel like they constantly need to be in a relationship; they don’t even think after breaking up with someone – they just move right on to someone else. Many people feel like they’d rather be with someone who treats them poorly than be alone.

My only real relationship lasted four and a half years, so I’m not the best person in the world to give relationship advice, but it’s V-Day (and it’s my blog), so I’ll give it anyway. My rule of thumb has been this (and I’ll keep repeating it to anyone):

You have to love and respect yourself before you can truly love another.

Otherwise, how can you expect that other person to give you the same love and respect? Learn how to be confident on your own. If you spend all your time trying to draw confidence and strength from another person, you’ll wear them down. Develop an inner reserve of strength.

That’s my Valentine’s Day advice for the singles out there – and if you’re in a relationship, enjoy the day with your loved one! 😀

Every holiday is materialistic. Valentine’s Day seems rather tame in regards to the materialism of Christmas, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s despite the origins of these holidays. With any holiday in a capitalistic nation, it’s a chance to stores to get a larger than normal profit… and because I’m single, I am under little obligation to spend anything this holiday. 😛

Yes, you are right. It is all about the commercialism. Holidays bring big profits for corporate America. It is not about love, its about money. And most of America buys into it.

Also, shouldn’t we be nice and sweet and all that EVERY day?

I agree, a person has to love themselves before they are ready for a relationship. If they do not have a solid foundation of love, self worth and self-respect, you will not be ably equipped to choose the proper mate. I mean if you think you are worth little, you won’t be selective in your selection. But if you see yourself how God sees you. You will choose wisely, understanding that whomever you are paired with must be special, because you are special.